The classical music of the India-Pakistan-Bangladesh subcontinent is one of the new ancient art forms still widely practised today. In recent years it has been much appreciated all over the world. This book, written by Indian writers, serves to deepen that appreciation to understanding. It covers the philosophy and history of Indian music clearly and concisely and relates its growth and development to social, cultural, religious and political factors. India’s musical contacts with the East and West are also discussed and their value assessed.

The technical chapters explain the raga and tala systems, the numerous instruments from north and south are described in detail with the help of excellent line drawings by Eilean Pearcey, and the glossary of terms illumines the subject in an interesting way. Short biographies of established musicians, composers and musicologists place on record their various achievements. Apart from a selective bibliography and discography for the reader’s guidance there is also a list of useful addresses.

The Music of India will prove invaluable to the student and specialist who requires a ready handbook on the subject. For the general reader it contains a mine of information on the musical life of an entire subcontinent.

Ravi Shankar, in his Foreword, recommends this book to all who wish to be introduced to India’s music, her culture and her peoples. This is a work of scholarship; lively, at times even witty and never dull